Erasmus+
What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme supporting education, training, youth and sport in Europe, with nearly 40 years of impact on the personal and professional growth of over 16 million people.
In simple words
Erasmus+ helps you learn, grow and connect across borders. It can support your studies, internships, youth projects and many more learning experiences in Europe (and beyond), offering funding and a clear framework so your progress is recognized when you return home.
🎯 Main purpose
More learning opportunities, more inclusion, and easier mobility for young people in Europe.
🌱 Priorities
Social inclusion, green & digital transitions, participation in democratic life and European identity.
Programme cycles
The budget and focus of Erasmus+ are updated every cycle. Here’s what the current programme prioritizes and what’s being proposed next.
Current Erasmus+ programme
The current programme focuses on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life, with an estimated budget of €26+ billion.
- Inclusion & equal access
- Green & digital priorities
- Participation & civic engagement
Next programme (proposal)
A proposal is on the table with a budget of €40.8 billion, with a stronger focus on skills and early-age mobilities (including pupils and apprentices), while keeping core priorities.
- Bigger focus on skills (Union of Skills)
- More early-age mobilities
- Also includes the European Solidarity Corps
What is Erasmus+ for me?
Erasmus+ offers many opportunities for students and young adults. Below are the most common options, explained in a clear and practical way.
Studying abroad (Exchange)
Study abroad for 2–12 months at a partner university. Your courses are recognized when you return, so you don’t lose academic progress.
Traineeships (SMT)
Do an internship abroad for 2–12 months while staying enrolled at your home university. It’s approved through a traineeship learning agreement.
Short-term mobilities
Thematic projects (often run by NGOs) lasting 5–30 days. Great for meeting people, learning skills and travelling on a budget.
Erasmus Mundus
Joint master programmes in multiple countries, often offering scholarships. Each programme has its own selection process.
European Solidarity Corps (ESC)
Volunteer in projects abroad for 2–12 months. You get accommodation, food, insurance, and pocket money in exchange for your involvement.
More information about this programme and the projects can be found on the official website.
Vocational Education & Training (VET)
Erasmus+ supports vocational institutions with funding for traineeships. Applications depend on the institution organizing the mobility.
EPALE
A platform for professionals engaged in adult education in Europe, supporting learning providers and community initiatives.
More information about EPALE opportunities can be found here.
Erasmus Skills
A project supporting reintegration after mobility, helping you identify the skills you gained and even assess them.
DiscoverEU
For 18-year-olds: travel across Europe with a free Interrail pass, plus discounts for culture and transport.